LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

AMP shines a positive light on businesses across Arkansas and the leaders behind them, and this is one of my favorite things that we do for our state.

This month, we’re bringing back Fifty Over 50, which showcases business and political leaders who are achieving at a high level in their prime.

So much attention is paid to younger generations in business publications, and rightfully so. But it seemed to me that special acknowledgment is due to those women and men who’ve made an impact on their communities throughout their long careers and continue to do so.

Readers nominated the leaders named on this list from around Arkansas. Of course, they represent a tiny fraction of those who deserve recognition, and one day, we’ll get around to everyone.

But we hope you enjoy our little twist on honoring business leaders.

Also inside, AMP highlights some of the state’s notable tech leaders, organizations and schools. And we recognize Black-owned businesses, including The Design Group and Delta Dirt Distillery. The Design Group is a marketing business that has propelled other Black-owned businesses around the state, and familyowned Delta Dirt Distillery in Helena-West Helena makes vodka, gin, whiskey and liqueurs.

Tourism has always been at the forefront of our coverage, and there have been some major leadership changes by Gov. Sarah Sanders. We profile Mike Mills, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, and introduce other new state tourism leaders, including Travis Napper, director of Arkansas Tourism. Napper will look at the economic side of Arkansas and dive into the numbers.

Thank you for reading. Hit me up with story ideas at HBaker@ ARMoneyandPolitics.com.

Heather Baker, President & Publisher hbaker@aymag.com / heatherbaker_ar